Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

The maid firmly refuted the absurd rumors, her voice full of unquestionable conviction.

“Some say the emperor was also confused and even wondered if someone with superior skills had replaced the previous emperor.

But the fact is indisputable, that is indeed the remains of the late emperor.

When the Emperor and the Empress Dowager went together to the resting place of the Grand Empress Dowager, her appearance, though difficult to describe, was a manifestation of the laws of nature.”

Lin Zhiruo noticed that the maid who had been steadfast just now seemed to be shrouded in an inexplicable fear.

(I see. The truth of everything is clear to me now.)

It's just not rotten, but it's enough to make people uneasy.

Whether powerful or common, everyone will eventually return to dust.

Lin Zhiruo firmly believes that a person's nobility or humbleness cannot change their nature.

“Soon, that towering building will be razed to the ground.

I hope you can uncover this mystery before it disappears."

Six years have passed since the death of the previous emperor.

The body has been placed in a distant imperial tomb. Now, the only thing that can remind people of the past is that lonely building.

If the truth cannot be revealed before the demolition, the Queen Mother may have a knot in her heart forever.

Lin Zhiruo already had a preliminary guess in her mind.

"Excuse me, may I be allowed to enter that room and conduct an investigation?"

"This..." The maid seemed hesitant and obviously could not make a decision on her own.

"I understand. I'll ask for instructions."

The maid stared out the window, following the progress of the tea party.

That night, Lin Zhiruo did not return to the magnificent Liuli Palace, but went to Quan Wushuang's residence, which she had not seen for a long time, preparing to visit the dusty room again the next day.

Although the emperor's approval is required, it is likely to be granted as long as the empress dowager speaks up.

They heard that Quan Wushuang and others would serve as witnesses, and this matter had already reached their ears.

Perhaps Henghua was the matchmaker.

Frankly speaking, Lin Zhiruo was worried about the head maid's reaction after returning to the Liuli Palace.

(Maybe I was too tolerant before.)

As the head maid, Caiwei has the responsibility to protect Concubine Yuyao.

A maid like Lin Zhiruo, who has an ambiguous stance, serves Concubine Yuyao and frequently goes in and out of the Liuli Palace, naturally finds it difficult to win Caiwei's favor.

Lin Zhiruo sometimes feels confused and doesn't know which side she belongs to.

But at least she had no intention of harming Concubine Yuyao, nor would she frame other concubines for this reason.

The room Lin Zhiruo had used was already occupied, so she was arranged to stay in Henghua's room for the night.

Although Lin Zhiruo was somewhat in awe of the elderly maid, she could only comfort herself that Henghua would not do anything bad to her.

"Come, put on this clothes."

Lin Zhiruo changed into the clothes Henghua gave her.

Henghua's room is located in a corner of Quan Wushuang's residence and consists of two adjacent rooms.

They rushed in a bed.

This place is much more luxurious than the maid's room in the Glass Palace, and is filled with many exquisite daily necessities.

"Actually, it's enough for me to sleep in General Gambit's bed."

"I'd feel uneasy letting you sleep there."

After hearing what she said, Lin Zhiruo didn't know what to say.

Henghua lit candles lavishly, illuminating the room, and she was reading intently.

Although the flickering candlelight was dazzling, seeing her happily flipping through the cookbook, Lin Zhiruo felt that it seemed inappropriate to dissuade her now.

"If Lin Zhiruo wants to see the recipes, she can go to the inner room and choose freely."

Lin Zhiruo readily agreed.

Recipes are hard to come by and should be cherished, and should be read whenever you get the chance.

Hoping to find a cookbook that would appeal to her, Lin Zhiruo walked into the next room.

Compared with the room where the bed is placed, the inner room is filled with various items and is in good order.

The bookshelf stands quietly in a corner of the room, like a silent guardian.

Lin Zhiruo flipped through the recipe carefully, fearing that the candlelight would get close and cause a disaster.

However, a cookbook she picked up casually made her quickly close the cover, as if she was shocked by some mysterious power.

(It goes without saying that Henghua and Lin Zhiruo seem to have very different preferences.)

Lin Zhiruo sighed inwardly and was about to leave when she caught a glimpse of an old little box placed aside.

Although the box has experienced erosion over the years, its edges are still inlaid with dazzling gold threads, and it seems to have been carefully maintained and is still gleaming.

"Are you curious about this box?"

Hearing Henghua's voice, Lin Zhiruo turned around.

"Don't worry, I mean no offense."

"I know you didn't."

Henghua walked over with a smile and picked up the old little box.

She took the box to the next room, placed it gently on the table, and slowly opened the lid.

There are several children's toys placed inside, exuding the traces of time.

“These are Quan Wushuang’s most treasured toys.

He has other toys, but he always plays with these few favorites.”

Henghua picked up a puppet and fell into deep memories.

The puppet was carved to look lifelike, but it had become somewhat blackened due to the erosion of time and frequent touching.

This is enough to prove that Quan Wushuang's love for it is beyond words.

Henghua smiled as he recalled the past, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"What does Lin Zhiruo think of Quan Wushuang?"

Lin Zhiruo was slightly stunned by Henghua's question, but then gave an answer.

(At least, he will give me rare ingredients...)

"I think he's an excellent boss who treats people with kindness and generosity."

"There seems to be another deeper meaning in your words?"

Lin Zhiruo shook her head stiffly, trying to hide her inner panic.

"That's fine."

Henghua put the puppet back into the box, as if sealing the memory as well.

"Quan Wushuang always loved this toy, so we once hid it secretly.

But once he hid, he would cry and no one could comfort him.

Later, Gao Zhongcheng even brought new toys and took great pains to appease him."

"Why did you confiscate his toys?"

Lin Zhiruo asked Henghua curiously.

Henghua slowly frowned and revealed a sad and complicated smile.

“Being obsessed with one thing will make people short-sighted and narrow-minded.

That noble man's innate position and status did not allow him to be overly obsessed with one thing.

Whether he likes it or not, we must let him grow into a mature, stable and responsible person as soon as possible.

Because this is Quan Wushuang's mother's wish and expectation."

(I see……)

A mystery in Lin Zhiruo's heart seemed to be answered and relieved.

The inexplicable childishness and innocence that gradually emerged from Quan Wushuang turned out to be part of his nature.

I heard that growing up in a repressive environment will have a profound impact and harm on a person's mind.

Perhaps because of this, Quan Wushuang's mind has become somewhat childish and simple.

However, others only see him as a flawless and elegant eunuch, which is really surprising and puzzling.